vacances d'été
The English phrase "summer vacation" is translated into French as vacances d'été.
In many contexts, French speakers will simply say les vacances if the summer season is already understood from the context.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vacances (vacation) and d'été (of summer).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the term Les vacances de la construction is used to refer to the summer vacation period specifically within the construction industry. In some regions of France, you may hear La pause estivale to mean the summer break or pause. Additionally, in France, Les congés payés d'été is used to describe paid leave taken during the summer months.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vacances is always plural in French when referring to a vacation or holiday period.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the singular form la vacance to mean a holiday. In French, la vacance refers to a vacancy, such as an empty job position.
Did you know?
- French speakers often use the phrase faire le pont (to make the bridge) during their vacances. This involves taking a Friday or Monday off to turn a mid-week public holiday into a long summer weekend.
- In France, the right to congés payés (paid leave) was only established in 1936. This law fundamentally changed the culture, making the annual vacances d'été a national right rather than a luxury for the wealthy.
- While vacances refers to a holiday, the word originates from the Latin 'vacare', meaning 'to be empty'. This is why the singular vacance still describes an empty job position or a void.
Examples in context
- Bonnes vacances d'été !Have a nice summer vacation!This sentence is useful for wishing someone a nice vacances d'été.Tatoeba #7491921 by felix63, translation #12233477 by Miktsoanit
- Les vacances d'été approchent.Summer vacation is soon.This sentence is useful for saying that vacances d'été are approaching.Tatoeba #4363849 by sacredceltic, translation #4356594 by CK
- Les vacances d'été sont passées.The summer vacation is over.This sentence is useful for stating that the vacances d'été are over.Tatoeba #1341694 by sacredceltic, translation #24330 by CK
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their upcoming travel plans.
- HugoOù vas-tu pour les vacances d'été ?Where are you going for summer vacation?
- ManonJe vais au Canada avec ma famille.I am going to Canada with my family.
- HugoC'est génial pour les vacances d'été !That's great for summer vacation!
- ManonOui, j'ai vraiment hâte d'y être.Yes, I really can't wait to be there.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
